February 26, 2025 • 19 mins
On Sports Fix with Jason Pine and D'Arcy Waldegrave for 27th February 2025, Clayton McMillan has announced he'll be departing the Chiefs at the end of the year to coach Munster. Chiefs CEO Simon Graafhuis joins the podcast to discuss what this means for the team.
D'Arcy offers his thoughts on Afghanistan's big win over England in the ICC Champions trophy.
And the lads are in the chamber to discuss Liam Lawson's fast ride in F1 testing.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News talks edb Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Thoughtsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Ed be Hello there, and welcome into a fresh episode
of the Sports Fix podcast. As February rushes towards its
climax thing penultimate day, Thursday, February twenty seven, I'm Jason.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Fine, does that mean it's the end of summer?
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Look, I don't think you need to bring the podcast
down this.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm missing the sun already. It
didn't take long to disappear. But no, the sun is
shining from the podcast. That's all we need to know.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Right indeed, And yes, you're right, it is towards the
end of summer, so I guess. Look, I was going
to say we get into the winter codes, but Rugby's
twelve months of the year. Now our big news today
around CLAYT. McMillan, I've got some thoughts, You've got some thoughts.
Anybody we can check to in a position of authority
around this?
Speaker 3 (01:01):
How about the Chief executive Officer of the Chiefs his
name no, Simon Grafis is going to join nas to
talk about how this developed, what happens next. So as
many questions I can throw at Simon, they'll be coming
up shortly.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Looking forward to that and as I say, a few
other issues to kick around in the chamber, plus the
latest and sports news, So let's get into it. In
other news, let's get you underway with some of the
big sports stories around today. Warriors coach Andrew Webster has
addressed what's become an annual question from the club's fan
base ahead of the new NRL League season, posed by
(01:38):
Mike Hosking.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Is this our year?
Speaker 5 (01:42):
I hope?
Speaker 3 (01:42):
So I'm as confident as it being the last two seasons.
So one year we come out and did it, the
second year we didn't.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
So hopefully third the chant the English Premier League Football
Crown is another step closer for Liverpool. That's full time.
Liverpool go thirteen points there, We're just ten.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Games to go and the title gets ever closer.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
In honest lots first fantastic year in charge, the reads
of meeting Newcastle to nil at Anfield the same time
as their nearest rivals Arsenal Drew nill All at third place,
Nottingham Forest and Josh Gary's just two shots off the lead.
After his first round at Golf's New Zealand Open, he
started with a five under pass sixty six to be
two shots back in a typer third.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Bit of a shaky start the first few holes, made
a few rough swings and listen, two or three good
chances and to come home strong after my first bogeon
like thirteen. It was good to bounce back to three
birdies on the truck. So I haven't lost too much
touch of the leaders. So that's the goal.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Round one leading a VEX. We've got just the ticket.
It's Sports Fix powered by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
We'll join now on the Fixed podcast by the CEO
of the White Couple Chiefs. His name is Simon Grafis.
He joins us now. Simon, quite a big day for
the club and welcome.
Speaker 5 (02:56):
Yeah, it's a big club.
Speaker 6 (02:58):
And just to clarify, it's not just the Waykido Chiefs
were obviously whole Chiefs region which Wakido is one of them.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
But yeah, happy, happy to carry on.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
I think that's very very important that you define that
and you've made a lot of Chiefs fans very happy.
My apologies, that's all good.
Speaker 6 (03:15):
Yeah, but yeah, big day for the club in terms
of obviously the news that break today around around Clayton,
and yeah, he's certainly been.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
Had a massive presence with the club.
Speaker 6 (03:29):
And although disappointed, it's also we do celebrate that stuff too,
you know. We in a lot of ways, we're here
to developed players and coaches and it's good to see
them go on to bigger and better things and hopefully
we're you know, we're an important part of that that
development cycle.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
How long have you known? How long has it been
chatted about, because obviously he had to peel away from
his contract.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
We're at the.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Club and end Z are so long negotiations signon.
Speaker 5 (03:59):
I don't know. I don't think it's been that long.
Speaker 6 (04:02):
And look, Clayton and I have got a really good,
good relationship and Clayton's kept me informed right from when
it was highly unlikely. But as the process has gone through,
it seems to have got more and more likely until
sort of, you know, last week, it was like jeepess,
this thing looks like it's going to happen.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
Quite a distraction. I'd expect for everybody pretty good to
get it out of the way now before we get
our hands on it and start circulating rumors, right ah.
Speaker 6 (04:31):
And look to be fear that's what we you know,
we were we were actually planning on trying to trying
to keep a lid on it until our by around.
We thought that would be a better way to deal
with it in terms of the team. But it is
what it is, so therefore we've just had to front
foot and and and just come.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
Out with it.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
But yeah, look, I hope we want to minimize the
distraction the team of you know, they've got to focus
week to week and if they do a job each week,
then you know, then then then we might we might
be in a position to have a crack at another title.
Speaker 5 (05:04):
You know.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
I'm presuming they approached him or did he have fear
is out looking to advance his career.
Speaker 6 (05:12):
I'm not one hundred percent sure, but obviously Clayton was
up in Ireland with the All Black fifteen and they
played Monster, so I imagine he probably You know, we've got
a John Ryan came down to play for the club
a couple of seasons ago. Alex Nankevill's up there. There
are a couple other players that he's coached, so he
knows some of them.
Speaker 5 (05:33):
I don't know.
Speaker 6 (05:34):
It's while he was up there, I imagine he probably
he might have made some connections. Yeah, I'm not out
sure they.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
You said before Simon that it's very much it's not
a development club because you're there to win titles, but
there's a lot of trains it going on with players
advancing and with coaches advancing as well. He happy with
that as a club in the way things work through.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
Well, I think it's just part and parcel of it,
you know, Like in terms of players, you'd probably have
up to twenty percent. Players normally change each season and
and there's an element of always changed at a coaching group.
I think, you know, the head coach is probably a
little bit different. But if you have a lookover history,
you know, five years out of a head coach is
actually probably a good run. So as a club, we
(06:25):
have to have plans in place for succession for all
our roles, whether that's head coach, the rest of the
coaching group, players back off of staff, you know, like,
so we need to we need to make sure that
we've got got things in place to carry on past
any one person.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Oh, it's interested in the nature of contracts in the
sporting world. They don't appear to actually mean a great deal.
You kind of walk away from them if it suits you.
Is that a fair thing to say? Contracts aren't really that.
They don't stick people to their roles, do they. Ah?
Speaker 6 (07:00):
No, I'm not sure about that because I mean, you're like,
they don't want to get into the technicalities of it.
But Clayton, Clayton was contracted here till the till the
end of twenty six, but he actually had an exit
clause at the end of twenty five, so he's actually
what he's doing is actually aligned with his contract. So
there's no he's not walking away from anything. He always
(07:21):
had an option to get out of it. Hoped I'd
hoped obviously that he would have he would have done
the full term. But so this is probably just a
year earlier than we're probably what we're planning for.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
So what happens now you are plenty going to try
and strive to win this elusive title for the club
and Clayton McMillan. When do you start looking for a replacement?
Who do you talk to around that? Have you already
done that? What is that that process? Simon? To find
the next man off the rank.
Speaker 6 (07:52):
Yeah, Look, that's a great question, but we're Look, we're
pretty focused on making sure this isn't a big distraction.
So I think the key thing for us is to
keep everyone aligned with what they've got to do week
by a week, and then we will go through a process.
We've finished the season, done our review process, so then
go through a process for head coach.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
Thanks for your time. Simon grafis CEO of the Chiefs Sports.
The head coach of Afghanistan's men's A cricket team, Jonathan Trott,
said no side would ever again take Afghanistan lightly after
they knocked to England out of the champions Trophy overnight.
(08:35):
I don't want to correct you, Jonathan Trott, but i'd
suggest there isn't a cricket team in world cricket that
takes Afghanistan lightly. It's only been a handful of years
since they were admitted into the international fold. In that
time they've come up some quiet outrageous results. In fact,
the last four ODI series they've secured victory. No, not
(08:59):
against the big heavy hitters in the big punches, but
they got South Africa cooked and they can interrupt, worry,
upset and beat great teams New Zealand only know too
well the strength of Afghanistans watching that game last night.
It started off slow, it was a bit of a crawl,
but like in all good games of one dance national cricket,
(09:21):
slowly but surely the team with the bat builds and
builds and builds, post a huge total and then defend
that total. It was all on the line for England.
They lose that they are out of the champions Trophy,
and they did and they are gone. It's not the
home stretch for Afghanistan, but it's close taking on their
(09:44):
Australian team in a couple of days time. As far
as me referencing the men's cricket team, I think that's
very very important. There is much debate around the legitimacy
of the Afghanistan men's team in world cricket and weather
due to the Taliban's outrageous treatment of their women, whether
(10:05):
Afghanistan cricket should be allowed to compete at that level.
I don't think that punishment meets it out towards Afghanistan
men's cricket team will do anyone any favors. International sporting
pressure indeed help unravel the South African apartheid government. But
in this case, the Taliban don't care about sport. They
don't care about cricket. They just care about oppressing the females.
(10:30):
To take away afghanistan joy through cricket is just downright
cruel and it will achieve nothing.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Let us assemble this the two of us can two
people assemble in the chamber? Why here we are?
Speaker 3 (10:47):
It's an assembly?
Speaker 2 (10:49):
They were just like a school. Do you know that
there's a law? I digress here. There's a law in
the UK that you have to have three people to
constitute a riot. Two people cannot write, but three people can.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Is it in a fray with two people? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Maybe it's an assembly, I'm not I.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
Don't remember that term being used a few years ago.
I'm not quite sure where you're afraid came Horetually it
might have been. That's what it was. Go figure, Yeah,
we definitely digress. Let's get back to subject if we can.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Indeed, yeah, we'll bring it back to sports and Clayton McMillan.
We've heard from the Chief CEO. Interesting thoughts there. Look,
I find it hard to have any negative feeling towards
Clayton McMillan about this. I'm sure some Chiefs fans will say, hey,
you should have stuck it out, you had another season.
But look, I think for his development and for the
long term future of what he might want to achieve,
(11:43):
it's a pretty good move.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Isn't it. I like what someone was saying around the
fact that, look, they understand that they don't keep players
and coaches forever. This is not a destination. This is
almost a transition as they come through learn about the
fine art of coaching. And we know that mc millan,
he's an aspirational kind of character and I expect he
wants to go on to the top job. So he's
(12:06):
done that for five years. He hasn't won a title,
but he's won was the highest percentage of the last
five years when it comes to a super coach of winning.
So that's fantastic. Now he's going to the Northern hemisphere.
And what do they say about all black coaching, Jason,
what do they say you need.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
International experience or I had my mic offtal experience. I
was listening to you and sort of gazing into the
middle distance. You need international overseas experience Darci.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah, and that's what he's getting in spades. Of course
he was over there Worth the All Black fifteen, hung
out with Munster, would have had a few words and
he's moved on from there. I don't think he goes
with any grief from anybody from what he's done with
the Chiefs.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Do you know somebody said to me this morning when
this news was out that if they don't win Super
Rugby this year, the Chiefs, then Clayton McMillan could look
back on his tenure in charge of the Chiefs with
some sense of missed opportunity, failure.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Weren't you No?
Speaker 2 (13:07):
I tried to find a different word the guy I
was talking to He said failure, But I don't say.
Look if you make if you make two, he's made
three finals now, hasn't he. In like, I think they
were the best team two years ago, lost to the
Crusaders in the final that was in Hamilton, probably should
have won. I'm not sure they were the best one
of the best two teams last year, but that massive
performance by Wallace a Titi in the semi to beat
(13:27):
the Hurricanes, not by himself but with the Chiefs got
them into the final where they were well beaten by
the Blues. I think they're the best team in the
first couple of rounds this season, could go to the final.
But if they weren't to win it, duce, how would
you judge Clayton McMillan.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
This is difficult because I remember being criticized for saying
that Ian Foster failed as the All Black coach because
he got to the final but he didn't win it.
And if you're being super hardcore about this, there's winning
and everything else is last. It doesn't matter. That's how
people will get mark when they look back in time.
What did you win? Oh you got to finals? Do
(14:02):
you had a winning record? Fantastic? Did you win anything?
Speaker 5 (14:05):
No?
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Well next please? I mean is that harsh?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
No, it's not harsh, not when it comes to rugby
in our country, and certainly not when it comes to
the All Blacks. Maybe a little bit more lenience is
required in super rugby. But I think you're right about
the All Blacks. That's I mean, that's who we are.
We are New Zealand and much as it sounds harsh
and losing All Blacks team is not acceptable.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Well, he's not going to the All blacks. Yet he's
still got a while to go.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
So let's not put the cart before the horse, if
you will, Jason, I will not put any carts before
any horses. But I do want to ask you about
something that goes a bit quicker than a horse and
a cart, and that is Liam Lawson in a Formula
one vehicle. Now put some context around this for us,
if you would. I saw he was second fastest in
(14:50):
the opening round of practice. Is that or the opening
round of testing? Can you get context to lips and texting?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
So they both of the drivers, both some self and
max first step and get a squirt around in Bahrain
as they start, I suppose putting their cars through their paces.
Not they go one hundred percent. They still need to
keep some secrets, if you will, tucked up their sleeve
before the first event in Melbourne in two weeks time.
(15:17):
But it's the real first time you actually see all
of the cars on the track having a look. So
Liam ended up finishing eighth right across the day. But
he's still got another day to see what he can
pull out of that. So I don't think you can
read too much into it. He had we off here,
do we spin he didn't stick it into the hoardings,
which is a huge positive. You know, the car came
(15:38):
back with four wheels, which is good. But apparently that
same corner Max fish Stamp and actually had a little
off a few years ago as well. But I don't
think he can read too much into this or any
of the results yet. It's just you know, getting some
time getting your feet under the desk. If I think
you will, we'll know a whole lot more when it
comes to qualifying in two weeks at Albert Park.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
All right, well, just before we go, I do want
to mention Liverpool because they won this morning against Newcastle
and have gone thirteen points clear at the top of
the Premier League ladder. All be up with a game
in hands, right, Tell me I was hoping you wouldn't
put me in this position. It doesn't feel like they can,
but d us they're my team, so anything is possible
(16:18):
here mate. Look, I think to all observers, you know,
biased and unbiased, it's theirs to lose now. They have
opened up a huge gap between them and the chasing pack.
If they can hold their nerve, it would be quite remarkable.
And Arnaslot's first year as coach to win the thing. Look,
I I'm feeling confident. Like I say, it's a big
(16:40):
buffet to Paul back, but well we've been around sport
for long enough to know, dus that funny things happen
in these games that we track and we follow, So
I'm not counting any chickens. Put it that way.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Good idea. One thing on this though, what has he
brought to Liverpool that's given them such outrageous success so far.
That's a massive buffer, Jay, It really is.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah, structure. I think you know, Jurgen Klopp was a
generational manager for Liverpool and really you know, put them
on the right track, and he did win the Premier
League in the COVID season, you know. But I think
arna slot's coming and ends really has just without too
much pomp and ceremony, without too much outward beating of
any chests, he's just made the team better. You look
(17:22):
at Marmott, Clara and Virgil van Dyke, two of the
best players on the planet. That is the spine of
that team. Van Dyke had center back Mahmod Zalah, the
most potent attacker in Europe and probably the world, and
then he's just built everybody else around them. So I think,
in very broad terms, he has just made an already
team you know, better and a lot better, good enough
in fact, to see off all comers. So yeah, we're
(17:43):
about to see what happens over the next couple of months.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
We've run out it, sorry, potent attacking force in Europe
except for Chris Ford. Now you can finish it.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Okay, Yes, Liz, I've ring fenced the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Don't you worry about that. He is still He's still
our guy. That is all we have time for in
the affray the Chamber.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
Today us a Vinion It's Sports Fix with Jason Hyne and.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
And on that note, that ends the Sportsbooks podcast for today, Thursday,
the twenty seventh of February. We really appreciate you downloading
and listening in, and especially those of you who subscribe,
which is actually quite easy to us, is it.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
I don't have to because I make the podcast, but
I'm presuming it is, and you should encourage yourself to
do it your friends and family as well. It's worth
the ride. It's worth the minimal effort, of course, isn't it, Piney.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
It is worth the minimal effort, and if people want
to listen to the radio like they did in the
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Speaker 3 (18:42):
Our best way to do that is listen to Sports
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(19:05):
Weekend Sport We've got it locked.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
Thanks for using team see tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
For more from News Talk st B. Listen live on
air or online, and keep our shows with you wherever
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You're listening to a podcast from News talks edb Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Thoughtsfix Howard by News Talks.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Ed be Hello there, and welcome into a fresh episode
of the Sports Fix podcast. As February rushes towards its
climax thing penultimate day, Thursday, February twenty seven, I'm Jason.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
Fine, does that mean it's the end of summer?
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Oh?
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Look, I don't think you need to bring the podcast
down this.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm missing the sun already. It
didn't take long to disappear. But no, the sun is
shining from the podcast. That's all we need to know.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Right indeed, And yes, you're right, it is towards the
end of summer, so I guess. Look, I was going
to say we get into the winter codes, but Rugby's
twelve months of the year. Now our big news today
around CLAYT. McMillan, I've got some thoughts, You've got some thoughts.
Anybody we can check to in a position of authority
around this?
Speaker 3 (01:01):
How about the Chief executive Officer of the Chiefs his
name no, Simon Grafis is going to join nas to
talk about how this developed, what happens next. So as
many questions I can throw at Simon, they'll be coming
up shortly.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
Looking forward to that and as I say, a few
other issues to kick around in the chamber, plus the
latest and sports news, So let's get into it. In
other news, let's get you underway with some of the
big sports stories around today. Warriors coach Andrew Webster has
addressed what's become an annual question from the club's fan
base ahead of the new NRL League season, posed by
(01:38):
Mike Hosking.
Speaker 3 (01:39):
Is this our year?
Speaker 5 (01:42):
I hope?
Speaker 3 (01:42):
So I'm as confident as it being the last two seasons.
So one year we come out and did it, the
second year we didn't.
Speaker 2 (01:50):
So hopefully third the chant the English Premier League Football
Crown is another step closer for Liverpool. That's full time.
Liverpool go thirteen points there, We're just ten.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Games to go and the title gets ever closer.
Speaker 2 (02:06):
In honest lots first fantastic year in charge, the reads
of meeting Newcastle to nil at Anfield the same time
as their nearest rivals Arsenal Drew nill All at third place,
Nottingham Forest and Josh Gary's just two shots off the lead.
After his first round at Golf's New Zealand Open, he
started with a five under pass sixty six to be
two shots back in a typer third.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
Bit of a shaky start the first few holes, made
a few rough swings and listen, two or three good
chances and to come home strong after my first bogeon
like thirteen. It was good to bounce back to three
birdies on the truck. So I haven't lost too much
touch of the leaders. So that's the goal.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
Round one leading a VEX. We've got just the ticket.
It's Sports Fix powered by News Talks IVY.
Speaker 3 (02:46):
We'll join now on the Fixed podcast by the CEO
of the White Couple Chiefs. His name is Simon Grafis.
He joins us now. Simon, quite a big day for
the club and welcome.
Speaker 5 (02:56):
Yeah, it's a big club.
Speaker 6 (02:58):
And just to clarify, it's not just the Waykido Chiefs
were obviously whole Chiefs region which Wakido is one of them.
Speaker 5 (03:04):
But yeah, happy, happy to carry on.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
I think that's very very important that you define that
and you've made a lot of Chiefs fans very happy.
My apologies, that's all good.
Speaker 6 (03:15):
Yeah, but yeah, big day for the club in terms
of obviously the news that break today around around Clayton,
and yeah, he's certainly been.
Speaker 5 (03:26):
Had a massive presence with the club.
Speaker 6 (03:29):
And although disappointed, it's also we do celebrate that stuff too,
you know. We in a lot of ways, we're here
to developed players and coaches and it's good to see
them go on to bigger and better things and hopefully
we're you know, we're an important part of that that
development cycle.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
How long have you known? How long has it been
chatted about, because obviously he had to peel away from
his contract.
Speaker 5 (03:54):
We're at the.
Speaker 3 (03:54):
Club and end Z are so long negotiations signon.
Speaker 5 (03:59):
I don't know. I don't think it's been that long.
Speaker 6 (04:02):
And look, Clayton and I have got a really good,
good relationship and Clayton's kept me informed right from when
it was highly unlikely. But as the process has gone through,
it seems to have got more and more likely until
sort of, you know, last week, it was like jeepess,
this thing looks like it's going to happen.
Speaker 3 (04:21):
Quite a distraction. I'd expect for everybody pretty good to
get it out of the way now before we get
our hands on it and start circulating rumors, right ah.
Speaker 6 (04:31):
And look to be fear that's what we you know,
we were we were actually planning on trying to trying
to keep a lid on it until our by around.
We thought that would be a better way to deal
with it in terms of the team. But it is
what it is, so therefore we've just had to front
foot and and and just come.
Speaker 5 (04:49):
Out with it.
Speaker 6 (04:49):
But yeah, look, I hope we want to minimize the
distraction the team of you know, they've got to focus
week to week and if they do a job each week,
then you know, then then then we might we might
be in a position to have a crack at another title.
Speaker 5 (05:04):
You know.
Speaker 3 (05:05):
I'm presuming they approached him or did he have fear
is out looking to advance his career.
Speaker 6 (05:12):
I'm not one hundred percent sure, but obviously Clayton was
up in Ireland with the All Black fifteen and they
played Monster, so I imagine he probably You know, we've got
a John Ryan came down to play for the club
a couple of seasons ago. Alex Nankevill's up there. There
are a couple other players that he's coached, so he
knows some of them.
Speaker 5 (05:33):
I don't know.
Speaker 6 (05:34):
It's while he was up there, I imagine he probably
he might have made some connections. Yeah, I'm not out
sure they.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
You said before Simon that it's very much it's not
a development club because you're there to win titles, but
there's a lot of trains it going on with players
advancing and with coaches advancing as well. He happy with
that as a club in the way things work through.
Speaker 6 (06:01):
Well, I think it's just part and parcel of it,
you know, Like in terms of players, you'd probably have
up to twenty percent. Players normally change each season and
and there's an element of always changed at a coaching group.
I think, you know, the head coach is probably a
little bit different. But if you have a lookover history,
you know, five years out of a head coach is
actually probably a good run. So as a club, we
(06:25):
have to have plans in place for succession for all
our roles, whether that's head coach, the rest of the
coaching group, players back off of staff, you know, like,
so we need to we need to make sure that
we've got got things in place to carry on past
any one person.
Speaker 3 (06:44):
Oh, it's interested in the nature of contracts in the
sporting world. They don't appear to actually mean a great deal.
You kind of walk away from them if it suits you.
Is that a fair thing to say? Contracts aren't really that.
They don't stick people to their roles, do they. Ah?
Speaker 6 (07:00):
No, I'm not sure about that because I mean, you're like,
they don't want to get into the technicalities of it.
But Clayton, Clayton was contracted here till the till the
end of twenty six, but he actually had an exit
clause at the end of twenty five, so he's actually
what he's doing is actually aligned with his contract. So
there's no he's not walking away from anything. He always
(07:21):
had an option to get out of it. Hoped I'd
hoped obviously that he would have he would have done
the full term. But so this is probably just a
year earlier than we're probably what we're planning for.
Speaker 3 (07:32):
So what happens now you are plenty going to try
and strive to win this elusive title for the club
and Clayton McMillan. When do you start looking for a replacement?
Who do you talk to around that? Have you already
done that? What is that that process? Simon? To find
the next man off the rank.
Speaker 6 (07:52):
Yeah, Look, that's a great question, but we're Look, we're
pretty focused on making sure this isn't a big distraction.
So I think the key thing for us is to
keep everyone aligned with what they've got to do week
by a week, and then we will go through a process.
We've finished the season, done our review process, so then
go through a process for head coach.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
Thanks for your time. Simon grafis CEO of the Chiefs Sports.
The head coach of Afghanistan's men's A cricket team, Jonathan Trott,
said no side would ever again take Afghanistan lightly after
they knocked to England out of the champions Trophy overnight.
(08:35):
I don't want to correct you, Jonathan Trott, but i'd
suggest there isn't a cricket team in world cricket that
takes Afghanistan lightly. It's only been a handful of years
since they were admitted into the international fold. In that
time they've come up some quiet outrageous results. In fact,
the last four ODI series they've secured victory. No, not
(08:59):
against the big heavy hitters in the big punches, but
they got South Africa cooked and they can interrupt, worry,
upset and beat great teams New Zealand only know too
well the strength of Afghanistans watching that game last night.
It started off slow, it was a bit of a crawl,
but like in all good games of one dance national cricket,
(09:21):
slowly but surely the team with the bat builds and
builds and builds, post a huge total and then defend
that total. It was all on the line for England.
They lose that they are out of the champions Trophy,
and they did and they are gone. It's not the
home stretch for Afghanistan, but it's close taking on their
(09:44):
Australian team in a couple of days time. As far
as me referencing the men's cricket team, I think that's
very very important. There is much debate around the legitimacy
of the Afghanistan men's team in world cricket and weather
due to the Taliban's outrageous treatment of their women, whether
(10:05):
Afghanistan cricket should be allowed to compete at that level.
I don't think that punishment meets it out towards Afghanistan
men's cricket team will do anyone any favors. International sporting
pressure indeed help unravel the South African apartheid government. But
in this case, the Taliban don't care about sport. They
don't care about cricket. They just care about oppressing the females.
(10:30):
To take away afghanistan joy through cricket is just downright
cruel and it will achieve nothing.
Speaker 1 (10:37):
The Chamber is now in session on Sportsfax.
Speaker 2 (10:42):
Let us assemble this the two of us can two
people assemble in the chamber? Why here we are?
Speaker 3 (10:47):
It's an assembly?
Speaker 2 (10:49):
They were just like a school. Do you know that
there's a law? I digress here. There's a law in
the UK that you have to have three people to
constitute a riot. Two people cannot write, but three people can.
Speaker 3 (11:03):
Is it in a fray with two people? I don't know.
Speaker 2 (11:06):
Maybe it's an assembly, I'm not I.
Speaker 3 (11:08):
Don't remember that term being used a few years ago.
I'm not quite sure where you're afraid came Horetually it
might have been. That's what it was. Go figure, Yeah,
we definitely digress. Let's get back to subject if we can.
Speaker 2 (11:21):
Indeed, yeah, we'll bring it back to sports and Clayton McMillan.
We've heard from the Chief CEO. Interesting thoughts there. Look,
I find it hard to have any negative feeling towards
Clayton McMillan about this. I'm sure some Chiefs fans will say, hey,
you should have stuck it out, you had another season.
But look, I think for his development and for the
long term future of what he might want to achieve,
(11:43):
it's a pretty good move.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Isn't it. I like what someone was saying around the
fact that, look, they understand that they don't keep players
and coaches forever. This is not a destination. This is
almost a transition as they come through learn about the
fine art of coaching. And we know that mc millan,
he's an aspirational kind of character and I expect he
wants to go on to the top job. So he's
(12:06):
done that for five years. He hasn't won a title,
but he's won was the highest percentage of the last
five years when it comes to a super coach of winning.
So that's fantastic. Now he's going to the Northern hemisphere.
And what do they say about all black coaching, Jason,
what do they say you need.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
International experience or I had my mic offtal experience. I
was listening to you and sort of gazing into the
middle distance. You need international overseas experience Darci.
Speaker 3 (12:35):
Yeah, and that's what he's getting in spades. Of course
he was over there Worth the All Black fifteen, hung
out with Munster, would have had a few words and
he's moved on from there. I don't think he goes
with any grief from anybody from what he's done with
the Chiefs.
Speaker 2 (12:49):
Do you know somebody said to me this morning when
this news was out that if they don't win Super
Rugby this year, the Chiefs, then Clayton McMillan could look
back on his tenure in charge of the Chiefs with
some sense of missed opportunity, failure.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
Weren't you No?
Speaker 2 (13:07):
I tried to find a different word the guy I
was talking to He said failure, But I don't say.
Look if you make if you make two, he's made
three finals now, hasn't he. In like, I think they
were the best team two years ago, lost to the
Crusaders in the final that was in Hamilton, probably should
have won. I'm not sure they were the best one
of the best two teams last year, but that massive
performance by Wallace a Titi in the semi to beat
(13:27):
the Hurricanes, not by himself but with the Chiefs got
them into the final where they were well beaten by
the Blues. I think they're the best team in the
first couple of rounds this season, could go to the final.
But if they weren't to win it, duce, how would
you judge Clayton McMillan.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
This is difficult because I remember being criticized for saying
that Ian Foster failed as the All Black coach because
he got to the final but he didn't win it.
And if you're being super hardcore about this, there's winning
and everything else is last. It doesn't matter. That's how
people will get mark when they look back in time.
What did you win? Oh you got to finals? Do
(14:02):
you had a winning record? Fantastic? Did you win anything?
Speaker 5 (14:05):
No?
Speaker 3 (14:05):
Well next please? I mean is that harsh?
Speaker 2 (14:08):
No, it's not harsh, not when it comes to rugby
in our country, and certainly not when it comes to
the All Blacks. Maybe a little bit more lenience is
required in super rugby. But I think you're right about
the All Blacks. That's I mean, that's who we are.
We are New Zealand and much as it sounds harsh
and losing All Blacks team is not acceptable.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Well, he's not going to the All blacks. Yet he's
still got a while to go.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
So let's not put the cart before the horse, if
you will, Jason, I will not put any carts before
any horses. But I do want to ask you about
something that goes a bit quicker than a horse and
a cart, and that is Liam Lawson in a Formula
one vehicle. Now put some context around this for us,
if you would. I saw he was second fastest in
(14:50):
the opening round of practice. Is that or the opening
round of testing? Can you get context to lips and texting?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
So they both of the drivers, both some self and
max first step and get a squirt around in Bahrain
as they start, I suppose putting their cars through their paces.
Not they go one hundred percent. They still need to
keep some secrets, if you will, tucked up their sleeve
before the first event in Melbourne in two weeks time.
(15:17):
But it's the real first time you actually see all
of the cars on the track having a look. So
Liam ended up finishing eighth right across the day. But
he's still got another day to see what he can
pull out of that. So I don't think you can
read too much into it. He had we off here,
do we spin he didn't stick it into the hoardings,
which is a huge positive. You know, the car came
(15:38):
back with four wheels, which is good. But apparently that
same corner Max fish Stamp and actually had a little
off a few years ago as well. But I don't
think he can read too much into this or any
of the results yet. It's just you know, getting some
time getting your feet under the desk. If I think
you will, we'll know a whole lot more when it
comes to qualifying in two weeks at Albert Park.
Speaker 2 (15:57):
All right, well, just before we go, I do want
to mention Liverpool because they won this morning against Newcastle
and have gone thirteen points clear at the top of
the Premier League ladder. All be up with a game
in hands, right, Tell me I was hoping you wouldn't
put me in this position. It doesn't feel like they can,
but d us they're my team, so anything is possible
(16:18):
here mate. Look, I think to all observers, you know,
biased and unbiased, it's theirs to lose now. They have
opened up a huge gap between them and the chasing pack.
If they can hold their nerve, it would be quite remarkable.
And Arnaslot's first year as coach to win the thing. Look,
I I'm feeling confident. Like I say, it's a big
(16:40):
buffet to Paul back, but well we've been around sport
for long enough to know, dus that funny things happen
in these games that we track and we follow, So
I'm not counting any chickens. Put it that way.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Good idea. One thing on this though, what has he
brought to Liverpool that's given them such outrageous success so far.
That's a massive buffer, Jay, It really is.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah, structure. I think you know, Jurgen Klopp was a
generational manager for Liverpool and really you know, put them
on the right track, and he did win the Premier
League in the COVID season, you know. But I think
arna slot's coming and ends really has just without too
much pomp and ceremony, without too much outward beating of
any chests, he's just made the team better. You look
(17:22):
at Marmott, Clara and Virgil van Dyke, two of the
best players on the planet. That is the spine of
that team. Van Dyke had center back Mahmod Zalah, the
most potent attacker in Europe and probably the world, and
then he's just built everybody else around them. So I think,
in very broad terms, he has just made an already
team you know, better and a lot better, good enough
in fact, to see off all comers. So yeah, we're
(17:43):
about to see what happens over the next couple of months.
Speaker 3 (17:45):
We've run out it, sorry, potent attacking force in Europe
except for Chris Ford. Now you can finish it.
Speaker 2 (17:51):
Okay, Yes, Liz, I've ring fenced the Sheriff of Nottingham.
Don't you worry about that. He is still He's still
our guy. That is all we have time for in
the affray the Chamber.
Speaker 1 (18:02):
Today us a Vinion It's Sports Fix with Jason Hyne and.
Speaker 2 (18:09):
And on that note, that ends the Sportsbooks podcast for today, Thursday,
the twenty seventh of February. We really appreciate you downloading
and listening in, and especially those of you who subscribe,
which is actually quite easy to us, is it.
Speaker 3 (18:21):
I don't have to because I make the podcast, but
I'm presuming it is, and you should encourage yourself to
do it your friends and family as well. It's worth
the ride. It's worth the minimal effort, of course, isn't it, Piney.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
It is worth the minimal effort, and if people want
to listen to the radio like they did in the
old days and still doing the new days and interact
with us, what's the best way.
Speaker 3 (18:42):
Our best way to do that is listen to Sports
Talk Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday night between seven and
eight Piney's the Boss on Monday, I Got Tuesday through
Friday eight hundred and eighty ten eight at ring ups
and tell us we're wrong or agree with us. We
don't mind. Just connect and of course the same stuff,
but for a lot longer on Saturday and Sunday between
twelve mid day and three o'clock with Jason Pine on
(19:05):
Weekend Sport We've got it locked.
Speaker 2 (19:07):
Thanks for using team see tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (19:10):
For more from News Talk st B. Listen live on
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